How does it make you guys feel if I told you that I actually branched out this week to a new mechanic? Yep. 20 years watching my mechanic-turned-friend grow his shop. Now he has 4 administrative folks. They have to eat. Retire. Buy wrecked M5's and Frankenstein solid E39 bodies. Their prices just have gone too high.

The E46 is getting a few touches now with the new guy. Very much like my current guy used to be. I don't know if I'll take the SC'ed E39 to him, yet. But so far, the E46 is happy with a change of scenery. So is our pocketbook.

I'm in that exact situation. Taking my cars to the same shop for 18 years (basically since I started driving). They've been in business 40+ years. I eventually worked there for a couple of years. They've moved to a much better location, own the shop rather than lease now, and have done numerous expansions to the building/facilities. Owner, who I would consider a friend, doesn't have to go in to work anymore if desired. Good for him. But the prices, along with time and my age, have marched on and upwards.

I'm in that exact situation. Taking my cars to the same shop for 18 years (basically since I started driving). They've been in business 40+ years. I eventually worked there for a couple of years. They've moved to a much better location, own the shop rather than lease now, and have done numerous expansions to the building/facilities. Owner, who I would consider a friend, doesn't have to go in to work anymore if desired. Good for him. But the prices, along with time and my age, have marched on and upwards.

All good things must come to an end... as the saying goes.

I think you may have referred me there to clear codes when I was in San Antonio? Does that ring a bell? Nice place. HUGE shop- even compared to my buddy's. But where my buddy would have me in, clear my codes and send me away, that shop wanted $200. They were gracious enough to work me in and let me go that day so I paid it. I can't say anything negative ab them. The work was on point and the guys were nice. Just expensive for the work needed.

The smaller shops I've been in on roadtrips are usually much more flexible.

Very possible prop. Bert's? They are still the most honest guys I've dealt with and still recommend them to people over going to the local dealer. They have a HUGE customer base now and are usually booked at least a week or more out. Doing very well, which is awesome.

Surprised a code read/clear was $200. That used to be an ~$85 charge on the autologic. But that was 7 or 8 years ago.